How Arizona's strict-liability rule works
Many states still follow the old "one-bite rule," under which an owner is liable only if the dog had previously bitten someone or shown dangerous tendencies the owner knew about. Arizona does not. A.R.S. § 11-1025 imposes liability on the owner regardless of the dog's prior conduct, provided that:
- The victim was in a public place, OR
- The victim was lawfully on private property (including the owner's property as an invited guest).
The owner's only meaningful defense under A.R.S. § 11-1027 is provocation — proving that the victim provoked the dog. Trespass and unlawful presence are also defenses, since strict liability only protects victims who are lawfully present.
One-year statute of limitations — act quickly
This is the trap. While most Arizona personal injury claims have a two-year statute of limitations under A.R.S. § 12-542, the strict-liability dog bite claim under § 11-1025 is governed by the one-year statute under A.R.S. § 12-541. Common-law negligence claims can still be brought within two years, but the strict-liability advantage disappears at one year. Victims often don't realize this and let the strongest version of their case expire.
Damages in Arizona dog bite cases
- Medical expenses — emergency room, surgery, plastic surgery, infection treatment.
- Reconstructive surgery and future scar revision.
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering, especially for facial injuries and emotional trauma.
- PTSD treatment, including for children, who are the most common victims.
Who pays
The dog owner's homeowners or renters insurance typically covers dog bites — even when the bite occurred away from the home. We identify all applicable policies, including umbrella coverage in higher-value cases. Some insurers exclude specific breeds; we read the policy carefully and litigate when a denial is improper.